Ratnashekhar Ratnavati Katha

This Jain text, titled Ratnashekhar Ratnavati Katha (The Story of Ratnashekhar and Ratnavati), authored by Jinharshsuri and compiled/edited by Dayavardhan Gani, is a narrative that underscores the importance of observing Parva Tithis (auspicious festival days) in Jainism. The book was published by Shri Jain Dharm Prasarak Sabha, Bhavnagar.

The preface emphasizes the book's release as a gift to the subscribers of "Shri Jain Dharma Prakash." It highlights the story's potential to offer solace and guidance to those struggling with worldly attachments and the consequences of their karma.

The narrative begins with Lord Mahavir Swami explaining the significance of Parva Tithis to Gautam Swami. These auspicious days include Samvatsari (the annual festival), three Chaturmasi festivals, Ashtahika (eight-day periods of observance), Shruta Tithi (days associated with scriptural knowledge), and specific Tithis like Chaturdashi, Amavasya, and Purnima. Observing these days through worship, penance, and virtuous conduct is presented as crucial for spiritual progress and attaining liberation.

The core of the story revolves around King Ratnashekhar and his minister Mati Sagar. King Ratnashekhar falls deeply in love with Ratnavati, a princess he glimpses through a chance encounter with Kinnars. His infatuation leads him to a state of intense longing, making him indifferent to all else.

To fulfill the king's desire, Mati Sagar embarks on a perilous journey. He encounters a Yaksha and his daughter, whom he marries after successfully navigating trials, including entering a fire pit. This Yaksha, grateful for Mati Sagar's accomplishment, agrees to help him find Ratnavati.

The story then delves into the concept of Parva Tithis through various anecdotes and teachings. A wealthy merchant's wife, who meticulously observes these days, is contrasted with the consequences of their transgression. The text elaborates on the spiritual benefits of observing these days, including the binding of good karma, which can lead to rebirth in higher realms or favorable human births.

The narrative follows Mati Sagar's journey to Sinhaldvipa, where he finds Ratnavati. He disguises himself as a Yogini to meet her. Through a series of enlightening conversations and allegorical stories, including the tale of Sumati and the barber, the story explores themes of desire, attachment, the unpredictability of life, and the importance of Pravachana (religious discourse).

The stories shared by the disguised Mati Sagar aim to impart wisdom and detachment to Ratnavati. He narrates the tale of Sumati, who, due to her father's transgression on a Parva Tithi, experiences a chain of unfortunate events and rebirths. This narrative highlights the severe consequences of neglecting religious observances, especially on auspicious days.

The story then progresses through various life-stages and rebirths of the characters, illustrating the karmic consequences of their actions. The king, queen, and minister are reborn multiple times, experiencing both suffering and happiness based on their past deeds, particularly concerning their adherence to or violation of Parva Tithi observances.

A significant portion of the narrative is dedicated to the virtues and practices associated with Parva Tithis, such as fasting, Pausadh (a specific type of retreat), Samayika (meditation), and Brahma-charya (celibacy). The text emphasizes that even minor transgressions on these days can lead to significant negative karmic repercussions, while sincere observance, even with limited means, yields immense spiritual benefits.

The story of King Purandhar and his barren queen is presented to illustrate the importance of righteous conduct and devotion in seeking offspring. Their adherence to religious rituals and later, their deviation from them, is shown to have direct karmic consequences.

The narrative continues with the king's encounters and the lessons learned through various characters and events. The story of Sumati and her rebirths, and the tale of Pundrik Naga and his encounter with Garuda, further emphasize the perils of attachment and the importance of discretion in sharing secrets.

A central theme is the king's (Ratnashekhar's) unwavering commitment to his vows, even in the face of intense desire and worldly temptations. The minister Mati Sagar, through various disguises and tests, ensures the king's steadfastness.

The story features celestial beings, like the Yaksha and Yakshini, and their interactions with the human characters, adding a mythological dimension. The teachings of various munis and their wisdom regarding karma, rebirth, and spiritual liberation are interwoven throughout the narrative.

The king and queen's past lives as Shuka and Shukini (a pair of parrots) are also described, illustrating how their actions in those lives influenced their present circumstances. Their eventual liberation and rebirth as deities and later as Tirthankaras in the Jain cosmology highlight the ultimate goal of spiritual attainment.

The text also includes detailed discussions on the classification of hellish realms and the consequences of different types of actions and observances. The importance of Achittya Jala (water that is not imbued with life) in religious practices is also highlighted.

The story emphasizes the transformative power of Dharma and the importance of virtuous conduct, especially on Parva Tithis, as a means to overcome suffering and attain salvation. The narrative concludes with King Ratnashekhar and Queen Ratnavati achieving a high state of spiritual realization and ultimately attaining liberation.

In essence, Ratnashekhar Ratnavati Katha serves as a moral and spiritual guide, advocating for the consistent practice of Jain principles, particularly the observance of Parva Tithis, as the path to spiritual purification and ultimate freedom from the cycle of birth and death.